Santorum Unloads on Paul: “No Track Record of Accomplishing Anything”

On the same day Rick Santorum achieved his highest poll numbers of the presidential campaign, he also leveled his sharpest criticism of a GOP rival. One hour and thirty minutes into his town hall meeting in Cedar Rapids on Wednesday night, Rick Santorum lowered the boom on Ron Paul. Prompted by a question from an attendee, Santorum said Paul’s promises are unrealistic and scary.

Paul has promised, if elected president, to cut five federal departments. Santorum says those are among several promises Paul would not be able to fulfill. “Ron Paul has passed one bill in 20 years. What makes you think he can get rid of anything? He has no track record of accomplishing anything in Congress. He has shown no ability to do what he promises to do.” Santorum said.

The former Pennsylvania senator admitted that a lot of what Ron Paul says about monetary policy makes sense. However, sounding good and actually delivering on what you say are two different things.

“I understand the appeal that Ron Paul has,” Santorum said. “It’s simple and short, but there’s no track record there. And the other problem with Congressman Paul is we’d be putting someone who is to the left of President Obama on foreign policy. I mean we’re talking about someone who is in the Dennis Kucinich wing. Don’t laugh. He might be even to the left of Dennis Kucinich.”

It is Paul’s foreign policy that concerns many Republicans. Although he would have to work with Congress to achieve many of the budgetary reforms he promises, as president, Ron Paul could make an immediate impact on foreign policy.

”He can actually order on day one that all of our troops around the world come home on day one,” Santorum said. “The danger of that should just chill every Iowan… Let’s get serious about what message Iowa’s going to send to the country and the message has to be ‘We want a responsible conservative.’”

Santorum has tangled with Paul occasionally during presidential debates. However, his words in Cedar Rapids were the sternest rebuke that he has delivered against the Texas congressman during a campaign event.

About the Author

Kevin Hall

Kevin Hall brings almost two decades of journalistic experience to TheIowaRepublican. Starting in college as a radio broadcaster, Hall eventually became a television anchor/reporter for stations in North Carolina, Missouri, and Iowa. During the 2007 caucus cycle, Hall changed careers and joined the political realm. He was the northwest Iowa field director for Fred Thompson's presidential campaign. Hall helped Terry Branstad return to the governor's office by organizing southwest Iowa for Branstad's 2010 campaign. Hall serves as a reporter/columnist for TheIowaRepublican.com.